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The latest polls show the popularity of the BC Liberals trailing the NDP by a very wide margin, but Kelowna Mission MLA Renee Merrifield believes a new leader can breathe some new life into the party.
"We have an exciting year ahead of us with a new leadership race," said Merrifield. "That will instill a level of confidence that we don't have right now."
Former leader Andrew Wilkinson failed to inspire voters and Merrifield said some of that can be blamed on the timing of the snap election call in the middle of a pandemic.
She said the whole caucus had a disconnect related to COVID-19 measures.
"It was an eight-month time frame where we weren't able to see constituents, we weren't able to connect in a meaningful way."
But Merrifield acknowledged that there is also a charisma element.
"I think they call it an 'X' factor which is that relatability," she said, "that people can see themselves in your story and can see that you're listening to them and that you're paying attention to what matters to them."
Already announcing their interest in Leadership of the BC Liberals are Former Liberal Finance and Health Minister Kevin Falcon, Vancouver-Langara MLA Michael Lee and political strategist Gavin Dew.
Merrifield won't say if she's prepared to enter the race herself.
"It's exciting times ahead," she said. "I won't commit as of yet, but there's definitely some pressure."
There's plenty of time for that. A vote on a new leader for the BC Liberals Leadership is scheduled for February 5th.
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